Asiad Gold medalist, Hakam Singh Bhattal, battling serious ailments
Former Indian athlete, Hakam Singh Bhattal, who had won gold medal at the 1978 Asian Games, is battling for his life. 64-year-old Bhattal was also conferred with the Dhyan Chand award. He is currently fighting liver and kidney ailments. His family is struggling to meet expenses but there has been no help from the government. Here is more on this national apathy.
A look at the achievements of Hakam
Hakam had won the gold medal in the 20 km walk, back in 1978, in the Asian Games at Bangkok. On August 29, 2008, Hakam was also conferred with the Dhyan Chand award. He went on to serve the nation after joining the army in 1972. The former athlete was also inducted in 6 Sikh regiment.
Hakam is a real fighter
An accident in 1981 saw his illustrious career come to an end, but he continued to coach young athletes. As per reports, his son stated that Punjab Police hired his father as the athletics coach in 2003. He served as a constable there and retired in 2014. Now, Hakam has damaged his liver and is battling for life.
State government and Sports Ministry need to chip in
It's time the state government comes to his rescue and reimburses Hakam's medical expenses. Further, Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore should step in and help out the former star athlete. Recently, Rathore had granted some former athletes money since they were battling poverty.
